Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation hosts cultural sharing event for upcoming powwow

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation hosted a Cultural Sharing event at the Strathmore Library, April 24, regarding the upcoming Lead By Example Powwow later this summer. 

Serving as an information session, the event was to share with members of the public etiquette regarding attendance at a powwow.

“The cultural sharing event was for the community here, the Town of Strathmore, because many people had questions wondering if they could come to the powwow, wondering about certain things they should know about coming to a powwow,” said Melodie Ayoungman, CEO of the Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation. “We decided, let’s host an event right in the town and invite everybody, invite the town and anyone. It was for everybody to come.”

Ayoungman explained during the event, it consisted of a powwow 101, a dance demonstration, information about the foundation and how it was formed was shared, and the reasons for the work they are doing.

The cultural sharing event saw approximately 20 people in attendance and was the first event of its kind hosted by the Foundation.

This year, the theme of the powwow is “Aokiyosata,” which in Blackfoot means “Moving forward in a good way.”

“Rather than turning to hatred and violence, we would much rather live in peace and have our communities come together in a positive light,” said Ayoungman.

The Lead By Example Powwow has been hosted twice previously in Strathmore by the Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation. In 2023, it was brought together at the Strathmore Motor Products Sports Center, and saw overwhelming attendance numbers and support, with attendees coming from across North America.

Last year, the powwow was moved to the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society grounds in order to expand the event space, allow for more attendees, and accommodate a larger event overall. This next iteration intends to continue the trend of growth for the event. 

The Kakato’si Kristian Ayoungman Foundation and the Lead By Example Powwow were created to honour the late Kristian Ayoungman, who was murdered in Strathmore following a dispute over cigarettes.

“The Lead By Example Powwow is to bring our communities together and create a positive future, and there is not enough First Nations education out there, and that is our purpose, is to share our culture so that other people will understand and learn about our First Nations people,” said Ayoungman. “My biggest goal, my biggest dream is to end racism and it has to start somewhere.”

Prior to the Lead By Example Powwow, which is scheduled for June 6-8, the foundation intends to hold more cultural sharing events in order to spread the word, educate the community, and invite everyone to participate.

More information about the Lead By Example Powwow can be found online via the foundation’s website, as well as through their social media channels.